Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic Lime Butter and Cilantro

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy shrimp quickly sautéed in a zesty garlic lime butter sauce, finished with fresh cilantro for a bright finish. This latin american-inspired seafood (low carb) ready in about 13 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 8 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp with 3/4 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper evenly.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until butter is melted and hot.
  3. Step 3: Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes without moving, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes until shrimp are pink and opaque.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium, stir in 4 cloves finely minced garlic, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tsp lime zest, and remaining 1 tbsp butter. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant and sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro over the shrimp. Toss gently to coat.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately with crusty bread or over rice.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic Lime Butter and Cilantro take to make?

Total time is about 13 minutes (5 min prep + 8 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic Lime Butter and Cilantro?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic Lime Butter and Cilantro?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic Lime Butter and Cilantro for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic Lime Butter and Cilantro low carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.